Royal Hospital Haslar

Andrew Murrison: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent estimate he has made of  (a) the book value of the Royal Hospital Haslar site and  (b) the anticipated annual maintenance cost of the vacated site.

Kevan Jones: holding answer 23 March 2009
	The "existing use" value of the asset for Defence purposes was last estimated as £17 million in 2005. The current market value of the asset is different, but difficult to assess, given current market conditions. However, it is not Ministry of Defence practice to release assessments of market value, as to do so could influence the market and not serve the interests of taxpayers generally.
	If the Haslar site were to be "mothballed" the estimated annual maintenance cost would be less than £1 million. However, the Department is planning a marketing campaign for this summer and is committed to finding a purchaser who can deliver a viable and sustainable future for the Haslar site.
	To this end Defence Estates is working closely with Gosport borough council. In particular, we are keen to ensure that plans for the re-use of the site have regard to the historical setting of the listed buildings and grounds. An inquiry led by the Prince's Trust last November examined the opportunities and potential. All proposals to acquire the site will be carefully evaluated, particularly as regards their approach towards conservation and heritage issues.